Hellboy 3: Doug Jones Reveals Its Impossible Dream

Thescreescore – For fans of Guillermo del Toro’s distinct cinematic universe, the prospect of a third Hellboy film, reuniting the iconic duo of Ron Perlman and Doug Jones, has long been a fervent wish. Yet, in a recent candid discussion, the revered character actor Doug Jones, known for his nuanced portrayal of Abe Sapien in the 2004 and 2008 installments, definitively shed light on why this long-anticipated conclusion to the dark fantasy trilogy is now an unlikely, if not impossible, dream.

Jones, whose illustrious career is currently being chronicled in the upcoming documentary Get Me Doug Jones, has carved a unique niche in Hollywood. Often concealed beneath layers of elaborate prosthetics, his performances—from the ethereal Faun in Pan’s Labyrinth to the empathetic Amphibian Man in The Shape of Water, and even the beloved Saru in Star Trek: Discovery—have consistently captivated audiences, cementing his reputation as one of the industry’s most versatile and dedicated performers. The documentary promises an intimate look at the man behind the masks, spanning his diverse filmography.

During an appearance on Virtual Trek Con’s "The Main Viewer," alongside executive producer Derek Maki, Jones discussed the Get Me Doug Jones Kickstarter campaign, which aims to secure the necessary funding for the documentary’s completion. It was during this conversation, highlighted by Thescreescore.com’s John Orquiola, that the topic of Hellboy 3 inevitably arose. Jones offered a poignant explanation for why the window for the beloved sequel has likely closed.

Reflecting on the original films, Jones stated, "We managed to bring Hellboy and Hellboy II to life, with only a four-year gap between them. Even now, fans of the franchise consistently inquire about a potential Hellboy 3. However, considering The Golden Army premiered in 2008, a significant passage of time has occurred. Coupled with subsequent reboots, it’s fair to say that opportunity has probably passed us by. Ron Perlman and I would undoubtedly form the most senior superhero ensemble ever assembled."

Indeed, as Jones underscored, nearly two decades have elapsed since Hellboy II: The Golden Army graced cinemas in 2008. Guillermo del Toro’s vision for these dark superhero epics was inherently ambitious, necessitating arduous physical commitments from its cast. This was particularly true for Ron Perlman, now 76, whose transformative portrayal of Big Red involved extensive prosthetic work. The demands of the role were considerable even then, and the passage of eighteen years only amplifies the challenge of reprising such an physically taxing character.

Despite cultivating a dedicated fanbase, del Toro’s Hellboy films never achieved blockbuster status at the global box office. Two decades ago, robust DVD sales for the first film provided the crucial financial impetus to greenlight Hellboy II. However, in today’s streaming-dominated landscape, that vital ancillary revenue stream, which once helped offset theatrical underperformance, has largely evaporated. A third installment, envisioned by del Toro as an even more visually grand and expensive conclusion, would face even greater financial hurdles without such traditional profit avenues.

The studio’s response to the unfulfilled trilogy was a franchise reboot, spearheaded by Neil Marshall’s Hellboy (2019), featuring David Harbour in the titular role. This reimagining, however, proved to be a critical and commercial disappointment, widely panned by both reviewers and fans, with Marshall himself reportedly distancing from the final product. A subsequent 2024 sequel, Hellboy: The Crooked Man, also struggled to find an audience, further underscoring the challenge of recapturing the unique magic and appeal of the original Perlman-led films, which also starred Selma Blair and Jones.

In a parallel development, following the conclusion of Star Trek: Discovery in 2024, Doug Jones is embracing a fresh chapter in his career. He is actively pursuing roles that allow him to perform without the extensive prosthetic encasement that has defined much of his work. Having portrayed the beloved Saru for five seasons, Jones is now keen to explore more "human" characters, exemplified by his return as Billy Butcherson in Disney+’s successful Hocus Pocus 2.

The Get Me Doug Jones documentary promises an intimate portrait, featuring new interviews with esteemed colleagues such as Sonequa Martin-Green, Ron Perlman, Noah Wyle, and Bette Midler, alongside insights from his personal life. Supporters of the Kickstarter campaign can access unique rewards from Jones’ personal collection, offering a rare glimpse into his prolific career. While Jones continues to be celebrated by fans for his iconic portrayal of Abe Sapien, the definitive conclusion to Guillermo del Toro’s Hellboy trilogy, it seems, will forever remain a captivating "what if" in the annals of cinematic history.